The upcoming general election on Nov. 3 will provide voters with choices to fill all seats in the Carbon County Commissioners race.

Candidates are: Democrats Rocky Ahner of Lehighton and incumbent William O'Gurek of Summit Hill, and Republican incumbents Thomas J. Gerhard and Wayne Nothstein.These four candidates are vying for three four-year spots. The Times News asked them questions related to the office.Their answers are published below in the order they were received.How can we alleviate prison overcrowding?Nothstein: Carbon County is developing a re-entry plan to help reduce recidivism and the prison population. Working with our county Mental Health/Developmental Services, courts and other agencies to identify possible solutions. The county needs to create a full-time drug investigator to investigate the drug tip line calls and coordinate drug activities with the police departments to get drugs off the street and out of our communities.Gerhard: To help curb prison population and recidivism, there can be no lapse in treatment to inmates who are being released. As of this year, a drug and alcohol counselor has been added to aid inmates in their transition back home. The county is currently looking into a re-entry program. The county is currently in the process of securing grants for more home monitoring equipment. There are other options such as halfway houses and methadone clinics, but the biggest obstacle with these is finding areas that are willing to accept them.Ahner: First of all, our Congress has painted us in a corner. They wrote a check of too many zero-tolerance laws that we as a county cannot cash and we are left with an overcrowded prison and the county taxpayers are paying the freight. As a county, we can control what we can begin to control and that's recidivism. I have ideas that will work.O'Gurek: Statistics will show and verify crime is increasing on a steady basis in Carbon County, unfortunately, due, in part, to a rampant illegal drug epidemic. It goes without saying as more people are arrested, more people will be jailed, and, so, I believe our focus should be to sponsor programs aimed at reducing the level of recidivism through rehabilitation from illnesses such as drug and alcohol programs.How can the county be run more efficiently?Nothstein: We continuously seek ways to streamline and improve services. We have completed a major upgrade to energy efficient lighting in our large facilities including the prison, courthouse, annex, 76 Susquehanna St. buildings and exterior of the train station. Eighty-seven percent of the costs were covered by grants. Eliminate positions whenever possible. Started a council of governments with our 23 municipalities to share services, equipment and bidding to reduce costs at all levels of government.Gerhard: Control spending by utilizing proficient planning and purchasing practices, as well as operating our departments to their full potential without adding any unnecessary expenses.Ahner: Some say the Great Depression still lingers here in Carbon. It is in our DNA to make more with less. But that's not good enough for my Carbon County. Redundancy in our financial decisions creates unnecessary tax-burdens on our residents. It's important we learn from the mistakes of our past and end this cycle of paying for the same thing over and over again.O'Gurek: All of us, at every level of government, are living in austere times which, I think, begs for a strong and bold position of not spending taxpayers' dollars unless the expense is absolutely necessary. That may mean personnel, seminar expenses, equipment upgrades or other costs. If returned to office, I pledge to continue looking at every expense brought before the board and only vote in favor of it if it is necessary.If the county received $1 million through a gift or donor with no limitations on what it is used for, what do you believe is the best way to use that money?Nothstein: Our courthouse and annex are in need of roof repairs and preventive maintenance. Renovate a building purchased to house our archives department. Move the maintenance garage to another location due to space needs and safety hazards of entering onto a busy highway, also opening space for parking. Our 148 voting machines need to be replaced at an estimated cost of $370,000 at $2,500 per machine. Our DA and Adult Probation are overcrowded and need additional space.Gerhard: Since the county is currently running on a balanced budget with reserve funds, I would set up a special account to be specifically used for infrastructure. If and when a capital project worthy of using the money would arise, the money needed would be taken from the fund and the project could then be completed at no cost to the taxpayers.Ahner: We must invest in ourselves in ways that will pay abundant dividends in the future. Under my leadership, such a windfall would be used to build and maintain the shaky infrastructures of our towns. Investing our resources here by contracting local people to solve our local problems of blight and outdated downtowns. The dividends over the following years will be amazing.O'Gurek: This is probably a moot question since there is only one Santa Claus, but I would place $1 million in the county's debt service fund. As commissioners, we are aware of pressing needs for space, which equates to capital expenditures. I would want the million dollars to help pay for these projects so that we can minimize future impacts that a bond issue or borrowing would require.What more can be done to help our aging population?Nothstein: Our annual senior games and senior centers are well attended and enjoyed by many, however there are many more that are missing out on great times, meals, friendships and activities. Increasing awareness of programs available requires more outreach. Keeping our aging population active and healthy and out of nursing homes. Proving better access to transportation for doctor appointments and shopping trips.Gerhard: Provide education opportunities to assist with understanding Medicare through the Apprise program, long-term care services, the individual's medical needs and financial planning. Raise the awareness of this population on the importance of recreation and socialization opportunities, an example would be participating in the Senior Games. Carbon County also has five senior centers that provide a hot meal and daily activities. Provide the aging population with adequate services to assist in meeting their goals to remain at home.Ahner: I can answer this the same way I hope future politicians who serve after me answer this question: By keeping a firm fiscal grip on the budget that ensures those on fixed incomes do not suffer. Period.O'Gurek: There is never enough money to meet the needs of our seniors, especially since Gov. (Tom) Corbett cut human services funding by 10 percent a few years back and every local legislator except Sen. John Yudichak voted in favor of that, which was sad. In this particular case, the question is about retention more than "new" programs, meaning my future votes will be to provide lunches and activities for seniors, transportation needs, and quality of life services that the seniors not only need, but deserve.How can you bring more good-paying jobs to the area?Nothstein: We need to strengthen our business/education partnership and bring businesses, school districts, secondary education, local and state elected officials to identify the skills required and provide the education for a well-trained workforce, as well as provide incentives. Privatizing our Economic Development Corporation and the merger with the Carbon County Chamber has helped streamline the process to help new entrepreneurs and existing businesses. Become business friendlier in attracting business to Carbon County.Gerhard: Teamwork: Local governments must work as a team to create business-friendly environments that welcome companies to expand and relocate in our county. Transportation: Work with the Lehigh Valley mayors from Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, as well as the Pennsylvania Northeast Railroad Authority in Monroe County to bring passenger rail service back to our region. Education: Encourage our local schools, CCTI and LCCC to provide the right education to our children so they can complete in today's job market.Ahner: We must emphasize our strengths to minimize our weaknesses. We have a rugged, isolated beauty that attracts thousands of tourists who bring a sizable influx of cash to Carbon County. We must continue to encourage the tourist dollars into the county while taking care of our local manufacturing base to promote and build off of them.O'Gurek: Unfortunately, the demise of the Packerton Yards project hurt the only real industrial development initiative Carbon County, as a county, ever had. Sadly, the county had to give back to the state and federal governments over $5 million that the governor, representatives, senators and congressman all believed would have been put to good use to attract jobs. Since that did not happen, I believe our best route now is to support the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation in its pursuits of jobs retention and creation for the county.Any other topics that you feel are important to discuss?Nothstein: We need to inform the public of what social services are available and how to contact them. Strong afterschool programs like Right from the Start and SHINE with special program components like home visits, playgrounds and parent education. Provide students with the necessary skills to build a future workforce. Both programs have improved academic outcomes, scored proficient in science and math on PSSAs. Reducing the number of children in placement and in juvenile probation.Gerhard: Continuing the challenge to provide mandated services to the public without receiving the required and much needed funding on the state level as to not burden the county taxpayers. Examples are Area Agency on Aging, Children and Youth Services, Drug and Alcohol Services, Mental Health and Developmental Services, as well as funding a court system.Ahner: There are forces this county needs to combat. Among my priorities will be creating an environment that slows down the drug recidivism epidemic, reduce building blight, and stem our deteriorating tax base. As of midnight of Nov. 3, this hard-working Carbon County Commissioner will enter my office with my sleeves rolled up and ready to work.O'Gurek: I think the public's expectations of a county commissioner is a paramount election issue in that I believe they want someone representing them who is experienced in all areas of county government, someone who is accessible and responsive to their expectations and inquiries, and someone who is willing to make tough decisions in difficult times. Throughout my career, I have prided myself in trying to be as informative about all areas of county government as possible. I have a website,

www.ogureksoutreach.com, where anyone can contact me at any time, and my promise is I will continue to be available to help with any need they have regarding county business.About the candidatesWayne NothsteinNothstein is seeking his fifth term in office. He resides in Lehighton with his wife, Donna (Weaver) Mertz. Together they have four children.He has been an active volunteer firefighter with the Lehighton Fire Department for over 43 years.Most recently, Nothstein is a member of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania.Tom GerhardGerhard is seeking his second term in office. He resides in Packer Township with his wife, Sue Ann (Raynock). They have two daughters.Born and raised in Packer Township, he is a 1974 graduate of Weatherly Area High School. He was a self-employed roofing contractor for 32 years.Gerhard was a Packer Township supervisor for 12 years and chairman for seven.Rocky AhnerAhner is seeking his first term as commissioner. He resides in Lehighton with his wife, Connie and has four sons.Ahner was born in Franklin Township, attended Carbon County Technical Institute, and graduated from Lehighton High School.He is a current member of the Lehighton Area School Board and is a past president of the board.William O'GurekO'Gurek is seeking his fourth term in office, previously being appointed to the current term by President Judge Roger N. Nanovic. He resides in Summit Hill with his wife, Siobhan. They have two children.Before serving as commissioner, O'Gurek had served as the county prothonotary and mayor of Summit Hill Borough, both for 10 years.